Cody Rhodes created a nostalgic moment for fans when he walked into the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event with the iconic “Winged Eagle” World Championship belt.
The legendary title, which represents a cherished era in WWE history, was last seen decades ago. While this move tugged at the heartstrings of longtime fans, there’s more to its return than just sentimentality.
According to a report by Andrew Zarian, WWE’s decision to bring back the “Winged Eagle” belt is part of a broader business strategy to boost merchandise sales. The company hopes that reintroducing this historic title will spark demand for replicas and memorabilia among nostalgic fans and collectors.
If the strategy proves successful, WWE reportedly plans to continue reviving classic championship designs and moments as part of its marketing initiatives.
Cody Rhodes has long expressed his desire to resurrect the “Winged Eagle” title. For years, Rhodes has referenced the belt as his favorite championship design, and on Saturday night, he made good on that promise.
The timing couldn’t have been better, as Saturday Night’s Main Event made its return to NBC for the first time since 2008, providing the perfect stage for such a meaningful moment.
A Dramatic Main Event
Cody Rhodes faced Kevin Owens in the main event of the show, delivering a highly competitive and emotionally charged match. Rhodes emerged victorious, but the celebration was short-lived.
After the bell, Owens launched a vicious post-match attack on Rhodes, hitting him with a devastating Package Piledriver. The assault left Rhodes incapacitated, and he had to be stretchered out of the arena.
As if the attack wasn’t enough, Owens took the brutality to another level by stealing the “Winged Eagle” belt, holding it high as he exited the ring. This surprising act drew boos from the crowd and added an extra layer of drama to the storyline.
The chaos didn’t end there. After the show went off the air, Owens and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H reportedly got into a heated confrontation backstage. The incident escalated into a physical altercation, further fueling speculation about the future direction of this storyline.
Other Highlights from Saturday Night’s Main Event
While Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens headlined the show, the event was packed with memorable matches and moments. Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn in an intense match, showcasing McIntyre’s dominance. Liv Morgan successfully defended her Women’s World Championship against Iyo Sky, proving why she remains one of the top stars in the division.
Gunther retained his world title in an incredible triple-threat match against Damian Priest and Finn Balor, solidifying his reign as one of WWE’s most dominant champions. Additionally, Chelsea Green made history by becoming the first-ever Women’s United States Champion, adding to the night’s significance.
Nostalgia Meets Business
The return of the “Winged Eagle” belt is a perfect example of WWE blending nostalgia with strategic business moves. Fans have embraced the belt as a symbol of wrestling’s golden era, while WWE sees it as an opportunity to engage its audience and boost merchandise sales.
Cody Rhodes has masterfully connected with fans through his love of wrestling history, and his victory at Saturday Night’s Main Event was another step in solidifying his legacy.
As the storyline with Kevin Owens unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see what’s next for Rhodes and the “Winged Eagle” title.